US nurse who faked terminal cancer battle, scamming friends out of thousands is jailed

A former nurse has been jailed for two years after faking a terminal cancer battle, to scam friends, colleagues and her employer out of thousands of dollars.

Tawni Fuller was sentenced earlier this week in Ohio, after pleading guilty to the charges in October - including: telecommunications fraud – a third-degree felony, theft – a fourth-degree felony, and theft – a third-degree felony.

She will also have to pay $62,186 (US $45,469.68) in restitution to Ohio State Medical Centre for sick pay taken and a further $3,152 (US $2,304.66) in restitution to her victims, according to the ruling made public on the Delaware County Prosecutor's Facebook page.

Tawni Fuller was sentenced to two years behind bars after faking a terminal cancer battle (WSYX / Delaware County Prosecutors Office)

The former Ohio State University nurse anaesthetist told coworkers she had terminal lung cancer in 2016 and "underwent" 24-months of treatment.

The 34-year-old went so far as to don a cap to cover her head, wear a bandage where a chemo port would be and walk with a "hobble", using a cane.

"Ms. Fuller took much more than money," Prosecutor Carol O’Brien said. "She stole time and trust; She caused serious and lasting harm to the victims’ faith in humanity."

The 34-year-old went so far as to don a cap, wear bandages and 'hobble' with a cane as she walked (WSYX / Delaware County Prosecutors Office)

"Ms. Fuller took advantage of friends, coworkers, her community and employer - people who trusted and cared for her," O’Brien added.

"If you’ve ever known someone who has fought cancer, it’s horrifying, and it’s hard to believe that someone would take advantage of the community in this way."

Approximately 20 victims turned up to the hearing to testify against her.

One said, according to The Columbus Dispatch: "I spent hours crying about Tawni’s case and how I couldn’t make it better."

"This person’s moral compass is broken."

It's understood towards the end of 2016, the nurse texted friends that she had miraculously recovered, something which "boggled" the doctors, according to ABC News.